Over 35s 2012-13

Friday 14th June (Final)

The Final of the Over 35s was contested by James Wadley and Andrew Codrai, expertly marked by Paul Finch.

James opened the scoring, but neither player could forge any great lead with the scores neck and neck for much of the game. As expected, James hit his forehands like lightning, and was incredibly quick to the front. But Andrew uncharacteristically played straight shots on return of serve on his forehand to good effect, and kept the ball away from the left of the court, nullifying James’ big shots to some extent. But most effective were a string of backhand boasts from Andrew that picked up enough points to seal the first game 9-5. The 2nd game also ended 9-5 in Andrew’s favour, but that was after a nerve-jangling last few points (having carved an 8-1 lead and failing on a number of attempts to close out the game). In the 3rd game the scoring went back to the back-and-forth of the 1st game, with James leading 7-6. But by now Andrew was starting to really push James around the court and was controlling the T well. He finished with a low, hard backhand dive to clinch them game and his 4th O35 title.

Wednesday 12th June (Semi Finals)

The first of the semi-finals was contested between 3 times O35 Champion Andrew Codrai and Ady James. The match was played on Monday night as Ady’s form in the completion has been so good he qualified for the semis in 2 competitions (unfortunately sponsorship commitments prevented him from playing both matches on the same night). Andrew started strong (possibly signalling his intent to other would-be competitors) by winning the first 2 games 9-0. Ady re-grouped in the third though, with a change of tactics that bore more fruit, forging a 6-5 lead before coming unstuck and letting Andrew through to the finals.

The 2nd semi was a repeat battle between reigning O35 Champ Russell Baker and James Wadley, marked by Tom (they played the previous night in a rearranged Vets semi-final). Perhaps looking to avenge the defeat of the night before, James came out firing on all cylinders, forging a swift 6-2 lead. A careless drive conceded a stroke and put Russell back in the driving seat. But James was unstoppable and went on to win 9-2, with Russell tinning an adventurous return to concede the first game. James picked up where he left off in the 2nd, carving out a 4-1 lead. Despite the score line the rallies were very even, with the serve flip-flopping back and forth. But James was winning enough of the rallies he served to push on to an even more creditable 9-1 win. In keeping with most of the matches on the night, the 3rd proved the most competitive. Rus took a 5-3 lead and looked like the match might be extended another game or two, but it was James’ night and he went on to look a comfortable 9-7 winner.

Andrew Codrai will play James Wadley in the final on Friday at 7:30pm.

Sunday 12th May

Ady James rescheduled with Mike Willis. The winner will play Andrew Codrai in the semi-finals.

Thursday 9th May

In 3 hard games Andrew Codrai beat Natalie Morant to book a place in the semi-finals.

Shortly after, and just as competitive, Russell Baker beat Bob Broadbridge with the same score line. He too progresses to the semi-finals and is looking good for defending his title.

Monday 6th May

Just one (rearranged) match in the over 35’s, Tim and Natalie (hard to believe, I know!). Tim is new to the tournament and used this to his advantage to take Natalie by surprise with no less than 4 dastardly reverse boasts! He chased down many of Natalie's shots but perhaps in the end, dazzled by her training - oh, sorry, trainers-lost 3 0 and Tim goes through to the plate.

Wednesday 1st May

The Over 35s championship started tonight. Just 2 early round matches were played due to postponements. First on were Mike Willis and Chris Wright. This is an opportune moment for me to welcome another newbee (Chris) to the competition. It was a good match with Chris putting his all in, but Mike was in control for the majority of rallies and finished up the victor. Chris goes through to the Plate (draw will be made tomorrow evening), and Mike goes on to the next round where he meets Ady James (and is looking for revenge for Monday’s defeat!).

Next on where Bob Broadbridge and Gordon Scott. There was some excitement when Gordon opened his racquet bag and 2 spiders jumped out. But after brushing off the cobwebs and a quick bash down each side they were off. Despite having not played for 361 days Gordon was hitting the ball very well. But it wasn’t enough. Bob is looking on fire and will be tough to beat. His next match will be against #2 seed (and current holder) Rus Baker.